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The term REFLUX comes from the Greek word meaning “backflow,” usually referring to the contents of the stomach.

Just under the diaphragm, where the esophagus and stomach connect, is the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This muscle normally prevents stomach juices and food from coming back up, relaxing only when you swallow.

GERD: an abnormal amount of reflux up through the lower sphincters and into the esophagus.

LPRD: when the reflux passes all the way through the upper sphincter and into the back of the throat, reaching the larynx and pharynx.

The most important step is to minimize exposure to those factors that interfere with the normal function of the esophageal sphincter.

Meals should be eaten at least 2 hours before bedtime to prevent stomach acids from moving up the esophagus.

Do not exercise immediately after a meal

Maintain a healthy body weight

Reduce stress

Elevate the head of the bed 4-6 inches. Simply sleeping on extra pillows does not help since it flexes the stomach and could actually worsen reflux. Tilting the entire bed upwards will allow gravity to do its job.

Most common procedure: fundoplication, sewing a portion of the stomach around the esophagus to tighten its lower end. This operation can be done through small incisions in the abdomen using endoscopes.